Justin Tucker Tarnished His Elite Legacy: Handed 10-Game Suspension
The NFL gave him 10 weeks. Justin Tucker’s victims got a lifetime. In a twist, former Baltimore Ravens Kicker Justin Tucker has been suspended for 10 games for a violation of the NFL personal conduct policy after 16 massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct.
No longer considered the most accurate kicker in league history, Tucker’s legacy is now marred by these horrible allegations. In spite of the NFL investigation confirming violations, Tucker continues to deny any wrongdoing. His victims, however, will have lasting scars—and the punishment isn’t even close to rectifying.
A Suspension That Means Little
Tucker’s suspension begins Aug. 26, but as a 35-year-old free agent coming off the worst statistical year of his professional life, the penalty might be symbolic rather than meaningful. He may sign with a team, attend training camp, and play in preseason games. Those are privileges most suspended players under normal circumstances don’t enjoy. For all practical purposes, he may have already played his last NFL snap despite being technically just suspended.
That is only half of the issue. The NFL issued the penalty with the knowledge that Tucker’s career was most likely over anyway. The action is a PR move instead of a move of accountability. Not getting paid for 10 weeks doesn’t compare to anything when his victims lost careers, a clear conscience, and good health.
Allegations That Can’t Be Ignored
The charges against Tucker span from 2012-2016 and include multiple exposures, touching, and recording ejaculation during sessions. At least two spas banned him. Several women left the business after experiences with him since it was not possible for them to continue in a profession that was now traumatic.
Tucker’s response has been to challenge the credibility of the accusers and label the reporting “tabloid fodder.” His agent argues that he’s an upstanding man, but 16 carefully detailed, corroborated accusations suggest otherwise. His refusal to accept responsibility only adds to the damage and negates the NFL’s decision.
One Game Short Of Watson
The NFL banned Deshaun Watson for 11 games during the 2022 season after almost three dozen women made similar accusations. Tucker got 10. So, to the league, he is one game “less” than a sexual predator. This type of math highlights the continued arbitrariness and insufficiency of NFL discipline.
Neither man was criminally charged, but both were found to have been in policy violation by league investigators. The NFL can do more. Assess civil accountability, redirect forfeited pay to victims, or impose publicly demanded restorative action. But it would rather rely on empty words and cosmetic suspensions.
Final Thoughts
Tucker’s discipline might be career-ending, but it is far from justice. The women lost more than he ever will—and were given less than they deserve. The NFL continues to fail to protect women while shielding its name. Ten weeks won’t erase decades of silence, trauma, or futures lost.
